Registering a company in Ireland involves choosing a company type, picking a name, preparing documentation, and registering with the Companies Registration Office and Irish Revenue Commissioners. By adhering to this guide and utilizing the provided resources, you can successfully establish your business in Ireland. Ensure to follow the necessary requirements and guidelines to guarantee a smooth registration process and a promising start for your company in this economically vibrant and business-friendly nation.
Step 1: Choose your company type
The first step in registering a company in Ireland is to decide the type of company you want to establish. The most common types are:
- Private Company Limited by Shares (LTD)
- Designated Activity Company (DAC)
- Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG)
- Public Limited Company (PLC)
- Branch of a foreign company
Step 2: Choose a company name
Before registering your company, you'll need to choose a suitable name. The Companies Registration Office (CRO) provides guidelines for acceptable names, which can be found at this link: https://www.cro.ie
Step 3: Prepare the required documents
Next, prepare the necessary documentation for your chosen company type. The key documents are:
- Constitution (for LTD, DAC, CLG, and PLC)
Application for Company Registration (Form A1, for all types) These forms can be downloaded from the CRO's website: https://www.cro.ie
Step 4: Identify company officers and shareholders
You will need to identify at least one director (two for PLC) and a secretary. Directors or secretaries must be at least 18 years old. Shareholders can be individuals or corporate entities.
Step 5: Capital requirements
Ireland does not have a minimum capital requirement for LTD, DAC, and CLG. However, PLCs require a minimum capital of €25,000. There is no minimum capital requirement for branches of foreign companies.
Step 6: Register your company
Once your documents are ready, you can submit your application to the Companies Registration Office (CRO). This can be done in person or online via CORE (Companies Online Registration Environment) at the following link: https://core.cro.ie
The fees for registering a company are as follows:
- LTD, DAC, CLG: €50 (online), €100 (paper)
- PLC: €100 (online), €150 (paper)
- Branch of a foreign company: €60
Step 7: Register for taxes
After your company is registered, you must register for taxes with the Irish Revenue Commissioners. This can be done online via the following link: https://www.ros.ie
Step 8: Obtain necessary permits and licenses
Depending on your business activities, you may need to obtain additional permits or licenses. Check with the relevant authorities and industry regulators for specific requirements.
Time-frame:
The entire registration process, from preparing documents to receiving your Certificate of Incorporation, can take anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the complexity of your application.